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About This Breed

At first glance, you may mistake a Bombay cat for a
miniature panther. In fact, that is why the breed was
created by Louisville, KY breeder Nikki Horner, who set
her sights on producing a copper-eyed, black shorthaired
cat with the exotic appearance of a mini or “parlor”
panther. The black leopard of India inspired her choice of
the breed’s name.

The Bombay is an example of a hybrid breed, combining
characteristics of established domestic breeds to create
and maintain a specific, third look. Although the goal
is to produce cats who look like wild panthers, there
is absolutely no wild blood in the breed. Ms. Horner
began her effort in 1953 with the selective breeding of a
black American Shorthair with rich eye color bred to a
Grand Champion sable Burmese female. Through a long,
selective process of line breeding and outcross breeding,
she was able to consistently produce a black cat unlike any
other. Black American Shorthairs and sable Burmese are
still allowable breed outcrosses.

The Bombay achieved CFA championship status in 1976,
and the rest, as they say, is history. The beguiling, charming
shiny black coat with the brilliant gold to copper eyes
caught on with the public and other breeders and exhibitors.
Although small in numbers, the breed has consistently
contributed to national and regional winner status.

It has been said that if you want a dog, a cat or a monkey
all rolled into one mischievious package, then the Bombay
is the breed for you. They can be leash trained, and most
enjoy playing “fetch” and are fond of inventing new ways
to entertain themselves and the humans with whom
they live. Bombays are congenial, outgoing and make
intelligent, affectionate companions. They adapt well to
busy life styles and usually get along with children, elders
and other pets. The Bombay generally combines the easy
going temperament and robust nature of the American
Shorthair and the social, inquisitive, lap-loving character
of the Burmese.

With the exception of color, the Bombay and Burmese
standards are very similar. Whereas the Burmese body
presents a compact sturdy appearance, the Bombay
body is of medium length, presenting a more lithesome
appearance than its Burmese cousin. The Bombay’s head
is “rounded” with a short muzzle. The coat is the most
defining characteristic of the Bombay. Its short, flat,
gleaming, black-to-the-roots coat accentuates its rippling
muscular form. And, along with its conspicuous large,
brilliant gold to copper eye color, the Bombay is described
as the “patent leather kid with the new penny eyes.”

In selecting a Bombay kitten, consider what characteristics
are most important to you and discuss them with the
breeder, who knows each kitten and can help match you
with the right one. Kittens are usually available around
sixteen weeks of age, by which time they have had their
basic inoculations and developed the physical and social
stability needed for a new environment. Keeping such a
rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying, and providing
acceptable surfaces for the natural behavior of scratching
(CFA disapproves of declawing or tendonectomy surgery)
are essential to maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life.
For more information, please contact the Breed Council Secretary for this breed.